Sign-ups during open enrollment have hit record highs, reaching 16.3 million during the window that closed Jan. 15, according to new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
That includes 3.6 million people who newly signed up for coverage on the Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) exchanges, CMS said, accounting for 22% of enrollment during the Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 window. The remaining 12.7 million, or 78%, renewed their coverage.
The agency touted a 50% increase in sign-ups on HealthCare.gov under the Biden administration, which opened lengthy special enrollment periods during the pandemic and led the charge on enhancing premium subsidies, which were later extended for the next several years.
“President Biden promised to build on the success of the Affordable Care Act and make it easier for people to enroll and find affordable, quality coverage—and that promise has been kept,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in the announcement. “On the tenth anniversary of the ACA marketplaces, the numbers speak for themselves: more people signed up for plans this year than ever before, and the uninsured rate is at an all-time low.”
The 3.6 million new sign-ups represent an increase of 21% year over year, CMS said.
CMS said that most (92%) of enrollees had the option to choose between three or more insurance companies on the exchanges during open enrollment, and 4 in 5 returning members were able to choose a plan for $10 or less per month thanks to the enhanced subsidies.
New standardized plan options, which have drawn criticism from insurers, also made shopping easier, CMS said.
While enrollment on HealthCare.gov has wrapped up, sign-ups continue on several state exchanges through the end of the month.
"We will keep doing everything we can to ensure more people have the peace of mind that comes with high-quality, affordable health care," Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the announcement.